Manam mikham be Iran safar bokonam... enshallah yek ruz bezudi...
geplaatst door Eddy D in Iran forum
Of course Taha agha and Mina khanom know infinitely more about Iran than I do. However, my understanding is that being part of a formal, officially-recognized tour improves a westerner's chance of obtaining a visa... and a tour guide certainly would be able to assist. (I have not yet had the time to attempt travel, and have not been through the visa-application procedure. However, I would much rather visit friends than to go on a tour...)
Iran is a very diverse country, with many ethnicities, several minority languages, a variety of climates -- and myriad political opinions. It's impossible to summarize in such a short space. I'll give it a quick try:
Dress modestly. No exposed legs for either gender. Women wear scarves, and manteaus are fairly common in urban areas.
Don't worry about politics. Realize that the system is unique, and that you will not understand it. I doubt that anyone would ask you about politics... if by some chance somebody did, just explain that you really don't know anything, and that you are a little bit embarrassed to talk about that subject. Be respectful to all people.
According to my Iranian friends, and also to an American friend who visited there six years ago, you probably need not worry much. Begin by making friends from afar -- you've already done this. You will "develop a feel" in no time. Appreciate and respect the culture, give it an honest effort, and let a native "show you the way". (My Iranian friends have been most gracious about the mistakes that I have made.)
Va arezu haye behtarin ha be har Irani ke ino mikhande. Movafagh bashid.